View of the Dent de Vaulion in the distance © ADNV – Yanick Turin
Above the village of Valeyres-sous-Rances © ADNV – Justine Perrenoud
Between the Jura and its iconic peaks, the colorful trees and evergreen spruces, the golden vineyards of Bonvillars and Côtes de l’Orbe and the sea of fog that can be seen from the Crêtes du Jura, autumn brings a welcome splash of color to the holiday season.
Aiguilles de Baulmes © ADNV – Lionel Bourgeois
The Aiguilles de Baulmes rise to an altitude of 1,150 metres and offer magnificent views over the plateau. You can also see neighbouring France from this part of the Crêtes du Jura. The imposing Mont d’Or massif, from which the famous cheese takes its name, can be seen in the distance, overlooking Vallorbe and Ballaigues. Finally, once you’ve reached the summit, you won’t want to miss the Suchet (1,888 m), which lies directly opposite.
You can park nearby for a short stroll, or take a hike from Sainte-Croix into the surrounding countryside for a total of around 4 hours.
What we particularly love about this hike is the view you get as you walk over the Aiguilles crests, the Cave Noire (an unusual little spot you can discover along the way) and, quite simply, the calm that reigns when you’re in the forest.
What’s more, the possibility of taking the train directly from Yverdon-les-Bains to Sainte-Croix makes this hike a real treat. Gourmet detours we can recommend nearby: the La Gourmandine bakery to buy an Amandine, Sainte-Croix’s famous pastry, or stop by the Fromagerie Tyrode to discover a vast selection of artisanal products, including Vacherin Mont d’Or. One or the other, but for us it’s usually both.
Romainmôtier, a village renowned for its abbey church, has a treasure trove of natural treasures just a stone’s throw from its historic center.
Indeed, the Dard waterfall, nestled in the middle of the forest in the Vallon du Nozon part of northern Vaud, offers hikers a unique spectacle. The path that leads to the waterfall shapes the visitor’s experience, as following the Nozon is not a trivial matter.
Here, you’ll discover steep little paths, pretty houses in the villages of Croy and Romainmôtier and, quite simply, traces of the region’s heritage. The route we suggest here is signposted by SuisseMobile and bears the number 124: Sentier du Patrimoine.
As a result, it’s very easy to find your way around and follow your path in complete peace of mind. As far as we’re concerned, we love going to this waterfall. There’s something unique about it, and it’s certainly the fact that it’s in a small clearing that gives it so much charm.
The famous Dard waterfall © ADNV – Lionel Bourgeois
Covatannaz gorge © OTV
From Sainte-Croix station, simply follow the signposted route along the railway line. The walk continues through pastures, before entering the heart of the forest along the Arnon. It is this river which, over time, has shaped the Gorges de Covatannaz and its impressive cliffs, and which flows into Lake Neuchâtel.
The route then descends to the rhythm of rapids and waterfalls, large and small. Then it comes to the Fontanet site, with its vast clearing offering a popular picnic spot.
A few metres below, a fork leads to Baulmes, with an additional 2 km, or on to Vuiteboeuf. From here, the TRAVYS panoramic train takes walkers back to Sainte-Croix, via Baulmes, or to Yverdon-les-Bains.
This hike offers a breath of fresh air, and the descent takes between 1h and 1h30 to the Vuiteboeuf train station, making it accessible. However, on rainy days, take care as the path can be slippery with dead leaves on the ground.
View from the summit of Suchet © Lionel Bourgeois
There are a number of hiking suggestions in the Northern Vaud region on our website or at our tourist office in Yverdon-les-Bains. Our team will be happy to advise and inform you about hiking trails in the region.
Discover our brochures and hiking maps here.
Agence ADNV / Office du tourisme du Nord vaudois
Avenue de la Gare 2
1400 Yverdon-les-Bains
T +41 24 423 03 13
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